Phoenix plan to expand

MANCHESTER Phoenix will be firing on two fronts next season. In addition to their bmi baby Elite League team playing in the top flight of British ice hockey, Phoenix are fielding a team in the English National Ice Hockey League.

In addition to their bmi baby Elite League team playing in the top flight of British ice hockey, Phoenix are fielding a team in the English National Ice Hockey League.

Paul Brown, chairman of the Phoenix Junior Club, said: "The formation of this team will see the Phoenix complete a true development path for ice hockey hopefuls right from basic skating training through the junior system into senior hockey, with the ultimate goal of icing for the senior team in the bmi baby Elite League."

Changes to the structure of the game have resulted in the replacement of under 19s hockey by under 18s, and the formation of the Phoenix's English League team will give a significant number of players the opportunity to play.

The Phoenix intend to hold two player trials later this month, and will look to add to the coaching and managerial staff for the new team.